At Alice Douse Elementary School, giving to the effort to battle heart disease is part of the culture.
Two students at the Killeen school ranked in the top 10 this year in a 37-county region of Central Texas for raising funds for the American Heart Association.
Caleena Moultrie, a fourth-grade student, ranked second in the region with $4,545. That made her 18th in the entire state.
Peter Aguon, a second-grader, raised $2,024, placing him eighth in the Central Texas region and 94th in the state.
“It’s important to give because we can help other kids who have special hearts. We raised a lot of money to help those kids,” said Moultrie.
Principal Melissa Thomas praised both students and their families, as well as PE teacher Willy Ramirez, who spearheaded the fundraising campaign at the school.
“You are making an incredible impact by bringing heart health awareness to your campus and giving students the opportunity to step into advocacy in such a powerful way,” said Ashley Adams, American Heart Association Central Texas development director.
Seven Douse Elementary students were recognized at the school as “heart heroes” for their efforts to give to the organization.
Ramirez wanted to make students aware of the importance of learning CPR, knowing the signs of heart attack and stroke and wanted to build greater community at the campus.
“It makes me feel great that they heard me and wanted to be helpful,” he said. The school has taken part in the fundraising effort the past three years, and both students honored this year were also honored last year.
The PE teacher said he’s battled his own heart health issues and is aware of many other teachers past and present who have been personally affected.
The pair of top fundraisers won prizes from the association, and the school won donated PE equipment.
“Coach came to me and said he wanted to be involved because it was very personal to him and he took the lead in it,” said Thomas.
“It was a nice surprise to get the email that we have No. 2 and No. 8. How amazing is that from one school. It’s amazing the type of students we have here and the passion they have.”